FC Goa’s unbeaten run grew to 14 with a display that was full of flair and grit against Mumbai City FC in the first leg of the semi-finals. A 2-2 draw in the end means that it’s all to play for with away goals not figuring in the scheme of things.
Heading into the contest Juan Ferrando would welcome the return of Ivan Gonzalez, a stalwart at the back for the Gaurs this season, and Alberto Noguera – the midfield creator-in-chief for FC Goa. Noguera has been instrumental for the side and has the potential to be the difference maker in the game.
Mumbai, showed spirit to come back twice in the first leg with goals coming from two former Gaurs – Hugo Boumous and Mourtada Fall. The Islanders would look to build on that triumph.
It’s going to be a Monday night in Goa and winner takes all for FC Goa and Mumbai City FC. Leading up to the mouth-watering fixture, let the numbers show us what we are really in for.
1: FC Goa have won only 1 of the 11 games they were drawing at half-time in this season of the Indian Super League (D7 L3), including the first leg of the semi-finals against Mumbai. While the Islanders have won three of the eight games they were drawing at half-time, losing two and drawing three
2: FC Goa and Mumbai City have shared consecutive draws in the Hero Indian Super League for the first time since their first ISL encounters back in 2014
2: Mumbai City striker Bartholomew Ogbeche was the only player who managed more than a single shot on target in the first leg of the semi-final game on Friday with 2 attempts
3: Among the four teams who have qualified for the semi-finals, FC Goa have scored the least number of penalties, three including the one in the first leg. The Gaurs have scored all three penalties awarded to them so far this season – all via Igor Angulo
6: This is the sixth time FC Goa have made it to the semi-final in seven seasons of the Indian Super League. The only campaign they did not make it to this semis was in 2016. The Gaurs have won three of their 11 matches in the semi-finals stage (D4 L4)
7.57 – Leading up to the semis, FC Goa’s Igor Angulo is the player with the best differential between expected goals (7.57) and actual goals scored (13) in this ISL campaign (+5.43 xG value).
9: With his strike against Mumbai in the last game, Angulo has now scored against nine of the 10 opponents he has faced so far in the ISL in his very first season, only failing to find the net against ATK Mohun Bagan so far.
11: FC Goa are unbeaten in the 11 games they’ve taken the lead this season in the Hero Indian Super League (W7 D4). On the other hand, Mumbai City have won three games after being behind, more than any other side in this competition. They were trailing in nine games so far this season including the last game (W3 D2 L4).
14: With Roy Krishna blanking against NorthEast United last night, he remains tied with FC Goa’s Igor Angulo in the race for ISL’s Golden Boot with 14 goals each. While Angulo has scored three penalties, Krishna has scored four.
20: Despite not finding the back of the net, Jorge Ortiz had one of his best games this season. The Spaniard attempted a total of 20 dribbles and successfully completed 13 of them. He won FC Goa the penalty in the first half and was also the most fouled player on the pitch.